. >> growing our economy begins with a strong and thriving middle class. >> reporter: while mitt romney talked with veterans about looming cuts to the military in the northern part of the state. >> 136,000 jobs will be lost in virginia as a result of this move. >> reporter: the candidates will spend time this weekend preparing for next week's debate ahead of the faceoff in denver both campaigns seem to be trying to lower expectations. >> we are looking forward to the debates as you know, and there have been difficulties. you have to give the president some credit for the campaign they're running. >> reporter: romney's staff issued a talking points memo telling surrogates to point out how well president obama has done in past debates. >> as president i'm going to have to make some tough decisions. >> reporter: the obama campaign issued a statement pointing out the president hasn't debated since 2008. >> 10,000 bucks? >> reporter: while governor romney got some practice in during the primaries. obama campaign spokesman says the worst-case scenario is if the president falls off the stage.